The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has made an offer to adult social care authorities. 'Adult social care authorities' are local authorities, which have functions under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014 and include county councils in England.

The offer is the option of an adult social care authority being able to charge an additional 'precept' on its council tax for financial years from the financial year beginning in 2016 without holding a referendum, to assist the authority in meeting expenditure on adult social care. Subject to the annual approval of the House of Commons, the Secretary of State intends to offer the option of charging this precept at an appropriate level each financial year up to and including the financial year 2019-20.

Our agreed 4.99% increase in council tax in 2018-19 means an increase of £47.03 a year - or 90p a week - for a band B property. Most homes in Derbyshire are band A or B. The 4.99% includes 2% to support the delivery of adult social care duties and responsibilities in 2018-19.

Table showing council tax bands including the amount attributable to adult social care precept

Valuation Band

Council Tax £

2018-19 ASC precept £

2017-18 ASC precept £

2016-17 ASC precept £

Total ASC precept £

A

848.08

16.15

15.53

14.94

46.62

B

989.43

18.85

18.12

17.43

54.40

C

1130.77

21.54

20.71

19.92

62.17

D

1272.12

24.23

23.30

22.41

69.94

E

1554.81

29.61

28.48

27.39

85.48

F

1837.51

35.00

33.66

32.37

101.03

G

2120.20

40.38

38.83

37.35

116.56

H

2544.24

48.46

46.60

44.82

139.88

In Derbyshire the extra 2% for adult care in 2018-19 will raise £5.9m a year.

The adult social care charge is ring-fenced to adult social care services, that is the additional funding raised through Council Tax can only be used to support these services. This charge is used to help fund the full range of social care related services, including:

expanding services to support the timely discharge of clients from hospital with either a residential or home-based care package

provide an urgent, short-term service to prevent admissions into hospital

voluntary and community groups that provide the most benefit in helping older and vulnerable people to live safely and well in their own homes without relying on social care services.

protecting our home care service which provides support to people at home so they can stay living independently for as long as possible.

services that support people with dementia and their carers.

more use of assistive technology and specialist equipment, for example pressure pads and alarms.

support services for younger adults with mental health issues and learning disabilities to help them live independently, prepare for independent living or a move to supported accommodation and help them learn new skills including support into employment where appropriate.